-LRB- AOL Autos -RRB- -- The main `` ups '' of buying a used car are the lower initial purchase price , as well as lower property taxes -LRB- where applicable -RRB- and insurance costs . The main `` downs '' of buying a used car are that it 's a used car , not new -- so there 's no new car warranty and you are more vulnerable to used car problems that could cost you money , as well as aggravation .

To reduce your risk of exposure when you buy a used car , there are a number of precautionary steps you can take when shopping for a used vehicle .

These tips to buy a used car include :

Shop for newer used cars that still have at least a portion of their original manufacturer 's warranty remaining : Most late model used cars have at least three-year/36 ,000 mile basic warranty coverage -LRB- and often longer `` powertrain '' coverage on the engine and transmission -RRB- . This means you 'll get at least a year or so of peace of mind if you buy a used car that is less than three years old . -LRB- Important : Be sure to confirm the used car warranty is fully transferable . -RRB-

Check into Certified , Pre-Owned -LRB- CPO -RRB- vehicles : These are late model used cars and trucks that typically have less than 50,000 miles and have been given multipoint inspections -- with any needed service or upkeep taken care of before the used car is put on the lot . CPO programs are backed by the automakers -LRB- Ford , GM , Volvo , etc. -RRB- and the vehicles often include a no-cost extended warranty on major parts such as the engine and transmission . CPO used cars are usually clean and well-maintained -- the `` cream puffs '' of the used car market .

Do a `` background check '' for indications that the particular used car make/model you are considering might be a problem car : One with an unusual record of either recalls or consumer complaints . You can find information about recalls and safety-related defects at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 's Web site -LRB- www.nhtsa.dot.gov -RRB- , and information about consumer satisfaction at JD Power & Associates -LRB- see www.jdpower.com/cc/index.jsp -RRB- . Consumer Reports is another good place to poke around -LRB- go to www.consumerreports.org/main/home.jsp and click on `` autos '' -RRB- . It 's also a very good idea to do a simple Google or Yahoo! Web search ; just type in the make and model of the vehicle and `` lemon . '' You can bet if the car has a history of problems , there will be complaints all over the Internet .

Screen your candidate -- the specific used car you are looking at : Even if the make/model has a great reputation for quality and reliability , that particular used car may not have been well-maintained -- even abused . Have a third-party mechanic -LRB- not one working for the dealer -RRB- look the used car over as a condition of sale . If the dealer refuses to permit this , you should consider yourself well warned -- and walk away .

Ask to see the used cars ' service records : If these are available , it 's usually a good sign the car was well cared-for , and perhaps more importantly , proof -LRB- if the records are complete -RRB- that there were n't any unusual repairs or problems . If the used car records are not available , you should be suspicious . It does n't necessarily mean the used car is a bad car , but you have to wonder why the seller would not have kept such a strong selling point as evidence of proper upkeep and maintenance . In such a case , it is doubly important to have a mechanic you trust give the used car a thorough once-over before you commit to buy .

Be sure it will pass both state safety and emissions tests -LRB- where applicable -RRB- : In most states , this is a legal requirement , but do n't assume it is . It can cost hundred of dollars -LRB- or more -RRB- to repair a used car that fails either state safety or vehicle emissions testing -- and in many cases , you ca n't legally register or drive that used car until it does pass .

Lastly , jot down the Vehicle Identification Number -LRB- VIN -RRB- : Located on a stamped plate on the top of the used cars dashboard , and run a CARFAX Vehicle History report to check for used car deal-killers such as evidence of a prior accident , odometer fraud , manufacturer `` buy back '' -LRB- a lemon -RRB- and so on . A CARFAX report costs less than $ 25 , and is well worth the expense .

As far as specific recommendations , here 's a short list of some historically `` good bets '' when it comes to buying used cars or trucks :

I. Economy Cars :

Toyota Corolla -- The gold standard of new economy cars is also , predictably , an excellent choice in a used car . In addition to a well-earned reputation for high quality and durability , Corollas are among the safest cars in this class -- and offer features such as antilock brakes and side-impact air bags -LRB- on newer models -RRB- . Corollas also hold their value exceptionally well -- to such an extent that a used Corolla you buy today for $ 6,000 will very likely still be worth four or five thousand dollars two to three years down the road .

II . Luxury Sedans :

Lexus LS400/LS430 -- New , these large rear-drive , V-8 powered luxury sedans cost tens of thousands less than an equivalent Mercedes-Benz , BMW or Jaguar . As used cars , they continue to perform flawlessly -- without giving their owners high blood pressure years after other luxury makes become expensive money pits . The LS series sedans are considered bulletproof -- and also have one of the lowest depreciation rates in the business .

Acura RL -- A conservatively elegant large luxury car that , like the Lexus LS , enjoys a reputation for absolutely superb engineering and quality . Unlike the Lexus LS , however , the Acura RL is a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan -- so it offers better grip in the winter , if that 's a concern where you live . And it is powered by a V-6 engine rather than a large V-8 , so its appetite for gas is more agreeable .

III . Large Family Cars :

Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Marquis -- These six-passenger sedans are hugely roomy and immensely rugged -LRB- one reason they 're favored as police cars/taxis/limos -RRB- and very safe -- consistent 5 Star performers in government/insurance industry crash testing . These are also the only late model sedans that offer standard V-8 power and rear-wheel-drive in a full-size chassis for the price of a V-6 powered , front-drive , midsize sedan .

IV . Pickups :

Nissan Frontier -- Tough , capable and exceptionally trouble-free small pickups , the Frontier offers both economical but tough 4-cylinder engines and more powerful V-6 engines . Look for used 4x4 models with manual locking hubs . Though it requires the driver to stop the vehicle , get out and manually engage the front hubs by rotating a knob in the center of each front wheel , these 4x4 systems tend to be more durable and problem-free in the long haul than the electronic/automatic hubs used on most new pickups .

V. SUVs :

Toyota 4Runner -- Considered by serious off-road drivers to be one of the best vehicles for this job -LRB- due to its agility , suspension and comparatively narrow body -RRB- , the 4Runner consistently scores well when it comes to long-term durability and used car resale value , too .

VI . Minivans :

Honda Odyssey -- Though pricey relative to other vans , the Odyssey is considered the benchmark vehicle in this class -- for features as well as overall design . Excellent used car resale value and top of its class occupant protection are additional reasons to consider an Odyssey .

Toyota Sienna -- Another Toyota product that 's got an established track record for high quality and a low incidence of significant problems , defect or recalls . Siennas are offered in a variety of configurations , including models with full-time all-wheel-drive -LRB- AWD -RRB- .

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Buy used cars with original manufacturer 's warranty remaining

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Look into Certified , Pre-Owned -LRB- CPO -RRB- vehicles with less than 50,000 miles

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Have a third-party mechanic look the used car

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Be sure the used car will pass state safety and emissions tests